Melinda Kay Talbott, age 63, of Newark, Ohio, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, at the OSU James Cancer Hospital. She was born in Newark, Ohio on March 4, 1963, to the late Otto and Viola (Regoli) Talbott.

Melinda obtained her undergraduate degree from Malone College and her master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. She worked in higher education at several institutions and finally retired from Newark City Schools, Liberty Middle School, in 2024 where she taught health and physical education. In retirement she enjoyed operating her own home decor business, Rula’s, in Berlin, Ohio.

Melinda was a devout Christian who attended church regularly. She loved gardening, traveling, and volunteering at the Licking County Humane Society.

Melinda is survived by her sister, Darla Talbott; nephew, Blake (Gwen) Talbott; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 4PM-7PM Friday, October 16, and 10AM-12PM Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N 21st. St, Newark, Ohio 43055. A 12PM funeral service will take place immediately after visitation followed by a graveside service at Jacksontown Cemetery, Pastor Glenn Melott officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Melinda’s family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in support of the Licking County Humane Society or in support of the

MMORE for Multiple Myeloma Research Fund (313431) at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Gifts may be made online or by mail to The OSU Foundation, PO Box 736096, Chicago, IL 60673-6096. Please include Melinda’s name with your gift.

To order flowers locally, please visit www.johnedwardpriceflowers.com/ 

To order memorial gifts please visit memorial-gifts-at-brucker-kishler.myshopify.com